Fire Safety

This page will be updated as needed with current fire safety information for the monument.

 

Year-round Fire Restrictions

Effective Date: September 15, 2026 at 12:01 a.m.

Colorado National Monument is a high desert ecosystem with hazardous fire conditions including dry fuels, low humidity, and minimal precipitation:  

• Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using wood fires is prohibited in all areas of the monument. Charcoal fires are only permitted in the grills provided in the Saddlehorn Complex and at the Devils Kitchen Picnic Area.

• Properly shielded gas or liquid-fueled portable camp stoves are allowed. Self-contained gas fireplaces are only allowed if they are contained in a portable fire pan.

• Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices is always prohibited on all federal public land, including Colorado National Monument.   

As a general practice, always fully extinguish campfires, dispose of cigarettes properly, stay on established roads and trails to avoid dry vegetation, and ensure trailer chains don't drag or create sparks. Being fire-wise helps prevent wildfires, keeps families safe, protects communities, and reduces unnecessary risk to firefighters.   

When necessary, National Park Service Rangers will issue citations to persons violating the terms of the compendium under authority of Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations 1.5(f) - punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and/or up to 6 months in jail.

Stay up-to-date on Mesa County fire restrictions online or call [phone]. You can also view maps and detailed interagency Colorado fire restrictions.

 

An intentional pile burn from 1998 helped to remove nearby dry fuels, closely watched by the fire crew.

NPS Photo